>[!abstract] >The royal we, or *pluralis majestatis*, refers to the use of the pronoun “we” instead of ”I” by a single person. It dates to the twelfth century when sovereigns would use it to mean “God and I” as a way to assert their divine rights. It is also used in editorial contexts to assume common wisdom, and in academic publishing. It has also seen increase use in the workplace to refer to collective achievements, critiques (to soften the blow), or task assignment (”why don’t we do this” from a boss) regardless of individual involvement. >[!quote] >There are only three classes of people who should ever use the royal “we” instead of “I”: kings, single authors of scientific papers, and people with tapeworm (adapted from U.S. Senator Roscoe Conkling referring to then-President Rutherford B. Hayes). >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): — >- **West** (similar): — >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —